Grosse Pointe City

Longtime City Public Services director to retire in June

By K. Michelle Moran
C & G Staff Writer

GROSSE POINTE CITY — After almost three decades, Public Services Director Paul Weitzel said he’s planning to retire this year.

Weitzel — who made the announcement at a Feb. 13 City Council meeting — left leaders stunned and saddened when he said he intends to retire at the end of June. He has worked for the City for the last 26 years.

Mayor Dale Scrace said the news “took the wind out of my afternoon.” Other city leaders expressed similar disappointment.

“That’s very sad news for us,” City Council member Jean Weipert said, adding that Weitzel has done “just a fabulous job” for the community. “We of course wish you all the best as you move into the next phase of your life,” she told Weitzel.

City Council member Christopher Walsh called Weitzel “such a great guy to work with,” and City Council member John Stempfle said Weitzel has always been “so responsive.”

“We’re really going to miss you,” Stempfle told Weitzel. “You’ve been a fabulous employee.”

Weitzel thanked the current and former councils for their support of the Public Services Department over the years. His decision to retire wasn’t an easy one.

“It’s been an honor and a privilege for 26 years,” he told the council. “I’ll miss you guys.”

At press time, Weitzel was enjoying what had, to date, likely been the mildest winter of his career. The City doesn’t plow unless it receives at least 3 inches of snow, and as of last week, he said, that still hadn’t happened, making this the first winter when they haven’t had to plow the streets.

“We’ve never had a winter like this,” he told the council. “It’s been a blessing.”

Of course, Weitzel knows that Mother Nature may still have a few surprises up her sleeve before he concludes his career.

You can reach C & G Staff Writer K. Michelle Moran at kmoran@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1047.